Football is my favorite season. So it only made sense to dedicate a page to the food I crave most on game day—and the wines that pair perfectly with them.
Whether you’re tailgating, hosting friends at home, or watching solo with a plate full of barbecue, these pairings bring big flavor to your football spread. No beer required.
Let’s kick things off.
🍗 Spicy Chicken Wings + Off-Dry Riesling
Wings are a game day classic—especially when they bring the heat. Spicy buffalo or Korean-style wings need something that cools things down.
Best Wine Pairing:
- Off-Dry Riesling
- Light sweetness balances spice
- Crisp acidity keeps things fresh
Other great picks: Gewürztraminer, Sparkling Rosé
🍔 BBQ Burgers + Syrah or Zinfandel
Juicy, smoky burgers fresh off the grill? Yes, please. These wines stand up to char, cheese, and BBQ sauce without overpowering the burger.
Best Wine Pairing:
- Syrah (a.k.a. Shiraz) – bold and spicy
- Zinfandel – fruit-forward with a kick of pepper
Other great picks: Merlot, Cabernet Franc
🌭 Grilled Sausages + Malbec or Chianti
From bratwursts to spicy Italian links, sausage is hearty, salty, and loaded with flavor. Go for reds with structure and savory notes.
Best Wine Pairing:
- Malbec – smooth with smoky depth
- Chianti – high acidity + earthy notes = sausage magic
Other great picks: Tempranillo, GSM Blend
🐖 Pulled Pork Sliders + Rosé or Grenache
Pulled pork is a crowd-pleaser. It’s rich, smoky, sometimes sweet. These wines handle all that flavor and make it pop.
Best Wine Pairing:
- Dry Rosé – crisp and refreshing
- Grenache – juicy with a touch of spice
Other great picks: Zinfandel, Sparkling Red
🍕 BBQ Chicken Pizza + Pinot Noir
Game day + pizza = unstoppable combo. With BBQ sauce, grilled chicken, and melted cheese, you want a wine that’s fruity but not too heavy.
Best Wine Pairing:
- Pinot Noir – bright red fruit and earthy finish
- Smooth enough for cheese, bold enough for sauce
Other great picks: Beaujolais, Lambrusco
🧀 Mac & Cheese + Chardonnay
Creamy, cheesy, gooey mac deserves more than soda or beer. Chardonnay’s richness matches the dish, while acidity cuts through the fat.
Best Wine Pairing:
- Chardonnay (unoaked or lightly oaked)
- Look for something with texture and zing
Other great picks: Chenin Blanc, Sparkling Wine
🥓 Smoked Ribs + Cabernet Sauvignon or Tempranillo
Ribs are sticky, smoky, and packed with flavor. You need a wine with backbone.
Best Wine Pairing:
- Cabernet Sauvignon – firm tannins balance the fat
- Tempranillo – earthy, savory, and built for BBQ
Other great picks: Malbec, Shiraz
🏈 Final Whistle: Quick Pairing Tips for Game Day
- Go bold: Game day food is rich—match it with full-flavored wines.
- Spice = sweet: For spicy food, pick wines with a little sweetness or lower tannins.
- Fizz is your friend: Sparkling wines refresh the palate between bites (and plays).
- Chill your reds: Lighter reds like Pinot Noir or Grenache are great slightly chilled for casual, outdoor gatherings.
Want More BBQ Wine Pairing Tips?
Download my free guide: Smoke & Sip: A Guide to Barbecue and Wine Pairing
Get it here!